Protocase adds laser cutting to Wilmington plant, grows workforce
WILMINGTON — The Protocase Companies have brought laser cutting capabilities to their Wilmington manufacturing site, a move company leaders say will create end-to-end precision sheet metal fabrication in the city and increase local production capacity.
The first production parts were cut on July 7, the company said July 9. The addition is part of a broader expansion at the 20,900-square-foot facility and coincides with a rapid increase in headcount: Protocase reported growing its Wilmington workforce from 39 to 72 employees between May and July.
The investment supports the company's High Velocity Mass Customization (HVMC) model, which combines equipment, experienced staff and systems to speed delivery of custom-manufactured parts. Protocase executives framed the move as strengthening the firm's U.S. manufacturing footprint while creating skilled manufacturing jobs in southeastern North Carolina.
"High Velocity Mass Customization isn't just about the equipment. It's about how experienced people, proven systems, smart facilities, and years of proven advanced manufacturing know-how work in harmony together," said Dr. Doug Milburn, co-founder and vice president.
Local implications include faster turnaround for engineers and product developers who rely on quick prototyping and production cycles, and the creation of higher-skilled positions in the manufacturing sector. The company emphasized that adding laser cutting allows it to keep more of the production process in Wilmington rather than outsourcing specific fabrication steps.
- Production milestone: First parts produced on July 7 at the Wilmington facility.
- Workforce growth: Headcount rose from 39 to 72 employees over two months.
- Facility size: 20,900 square feet now houses expanded capabilities.
For New Hanover County and state economic development officials, the expansion signals momentum in advanced manufacturing — a sector North Carolina has actively courted through incentives and workforce training programs. Keeping precision fabrication onshore can shorten supply chains and make local firms more attractive to customers who demand rapid, small-batch production.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Facility size | 20,900 sq ft |
| Workforce (May) | 39 employees |
| Workforce (July) | 72 employees |
| First laser-cut parts | July 7 |
Protocase's move represents a private-sector investment that could spur further supplier and service growth in Wilmington's manufacturing cluster. The company characterized the expansion as a long-term commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing and to developing highly skilled jobs in the region.
Officials and businesses will be watching whether the added capability drives additional local contracts and whether the city and county can sustain workforce pipelines to meet demand for skilled operators, programmers and fabrication technicians.
